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Are only private attorneys able to prosecute criminal defendants?
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
It's my understanding the prosecuting attorney represents the people when the accused is brought to court on criminal charges. Private attorney's represent the defendant in arguing why the accused person is not guilty, or if there were mitigating circumstances making circumstances explaining why they did what they did.
Additional Information: (in the US) Private attorneys do NOT prosecute criminal cases, they are prosecuted by government attorney's (prosecutors) who do so on behalf of the "people."
Defendants are free to retain their own 'private' attorney to represent them or, if indigent, they are afforded the services of the Public Defenders Office (a taxpayer supported agency).
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
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The approach to providing legal services to indigent defendants where private attorneys are selected from a list and reimbursed by the state is the system?
public defender
The approach to providing legal services to indigent defendants where private attorneys are selected from a list and reimbursed by the state is the what system?
Assigned Counsel
When may a private prosecutor be authorized to prosecute a criminal case?
In the US they are not eligible to be appointed to such status.
How does plea bargaining save money?
It saves the government plenty of money. Defendants who are represented by private counsel can save a bundle on attorneys' fees by accepting a plea bargain.
How do you press blackmail charges?
Private individuals do not make or press criminal charges. Report the crime to the police. The police and the prosecuting attorneys will determine whether or not to file criminal charges.
Criminal Defense Careers to Consider?
If you are passionate about criminal defense, there are a variety of careers within this sector. Perhaps the most popular is that of a criminal defense attorney, which requires graduation from an accredited law school, in addition to passing the bar exam in the state in which you plan to practice. Criminal defense attorneys may work in private practice or for the public defender's office. The public defender's office is the entity that provides attorneys to defendants who cannot afford to hire their own attorney. Each state has their own standards of the qualifications defendants have to meet in order to qualify for an attorney at no charge. Not all attorneys who are appointed legal counsel pro bono, which means at no charge, work for the public defender's office. In some jurisdictions, attorneys in private practice are appointed to represent defendants in criminal cases. Some attorneys simply want to give back to their communities, and so they take on a certain amount of pro bono work, some of which is spent defending individuals in criminal matters. If you have a passion for criminal defense work, but do not plan to pursue a law degree, there are other ways in which you can serve. For example, paralegals work in a variety of jobs in the criminal defense sector. They work under the supervision of an attorney and assist with legal matters. Some paralegals have a college degree; others have earned a paralegal certificate from a trade school. However, there is no set standard in the United States governing certification or training of a paralegal. Paralegals often interview defendants, witnesses, and conduct research. They may prepare legal and other documents necessary in the preparation of a case. While paralegals perform much of the work that goes into a criminal case, they do not appear in court. Investigators also fulfill an important role in the criminal defense process. Investigators work in the background, interviewing witnesses and piecing together the facts of a case. They may investigate the facts surrounding what defendants or witnesses state about a particular crime. They may look for witnesses when none appear to come forward. The investigator may discover information that may help or hurt their client in the course of a trial; however, by providing the criminal defense attorney with as many facts as possible, the investigator helps the attorney to be prepared. Careers in the criminal defense sector can be fulfilling and exciting. Criminal justice and defense offers individuals in many areas of expertise to use their skills in rewarding careers.
How do you press charges for a stolen vehicle?
Private individuals do not make or "press" criminal charges. The prosecuting attorneys must file the criminal charge. You can start the process by reporting the crime to the police and by agreeing to cooperate with the prosecution.
Do private attorneys make more money than district attorneys?
As a general rule it can be said that the average incomes of attorneys in private practice probably exceed the average incomes of most prosecutors.
Why did the profession of detective in this country basically evolve in the private sector?
Not exactly sure what you are asking -however- detectives involved in the law enforcement area investigate ONLY criminal offenses. Civil cases and/or violations of civil law (if they need investigation at all) have to be done by someone. Thus the profession of private investigators evolved. There are private investigators that work in the criminal area, but they are mainly either self-emplopyed or are on the staff of criminal defense firms who employ them to bolster the defendants side of the case.
Are defendants represented by a private attorney through all stages of the court proces?
dedfendants have a right to an attorney to be provided to them by the govenrment in all criminal cases only if they can not afford one of their own. also, in the decision of escobedo v. illinois, supreme court ruled defendants right to council at all points of due process.
How do you prosecute an ex correctional officer who continues to break the law?
Unless "you" are the government, you don't. Private citizens cannot "prosecute" anyone. You can make a complaint to the police about it in the hopes that the government will choose to prosecute, but that's about it.
Can i sue someone open my mail?
Private people never have the opportunity to prosecute anyone for anything. That right is left to the prosecuting attorneys office. Since tampering with the mail is a federal offense, it would be up to the Attorney General to determine whether to prosecute. If you think someone has been tampering with another person's mail, you should contact the USPS to determine how to make a complaint with the authorities.
